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Fish Tanks & Aquariums Near Chicago
Shop freshwater and saltwater fish, aquariums, supplies, coral and trusted aquarium brands at Big Fish Aquarium in Chicago. Whether you’re starting your first tank, building a reef system or maintaining an established aquarium, our team can help you find the right livestock, equipment and supplies.
What are you searching for?
everything you need for your aquarium
Shop aquarium essentials online or visit Big Fish Aquarium at 6622 W. North Ave. in Chicago. Explore freshwater fish, saltwater fish, WYSIWYG corals, aquatic plants, aquarium kits, filtration, water treatments, food and everyday tank supplies.
Aquarium Services in Chicago
Keeping an aquarium healthy takes more than the right equipment. Big Fish Aquarium provides professional aquarium services throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs, including routine aquarium maintenance, new aquarium installation and one-on-one aquarium consultations.
Whether you need help troubleshooting water quality, maintaining an existing system or planning a new freshwater, saltwater or reef aquarium, our team can help.
Aquarium Maintenance
Routine cleaning, water changes, equipment checks and ongoing support to help keep freshwater and saltwater aquariums healthy.
Aquarium Installation
Professional aquarium setup and installation for freshwater, saltwater and reef systems in homes and businesses.
Aquarium Supplies from Brands Hobbyists Trust
Find dependable aquarium supplies for freshwater, saltwater and reef systems. Shop water treatments, filtration products, reef supplements, aquarium foods, testing supplies and tank maintenance essentials from established aquarium brands.
Tropic Marin Block Iodine is a professional-grade, highly concentrated multi-element solution engineered to restore essential halogens and trace minerals in marine aquariums. Part of the innovative Tropic Marin Block System, this solution utilizes a precise, ratio-based approach that links a primary indicator element to related trace elements that are consumed at the same biological rate. This smart formulation ensures that even rare elements—which often fall below the detection threshold of standard hobby testing—are safely and accurately replenished without the risk of overdosing. Block Iodine specifically delivers a balanced mix of iodine, fluorine, bromine, and selenium to support skeletal structure, metabolic enzyme activation, and rich tissue coloration across all coral species.
Key benefits:
Precision Ratio-Based Replenishment: Links the primary indicator element (iodine) to secondary trace minerals, keeping your water chemistry naturally balanced without complex math.
Skeletal Growth & Light Adaptation: Supplies essential halogens (iodine, fluorine, and bromine) that strengthen organic and inorganic coral skeletons while directly helping corals acclimate to high-intensity lighting.
Antioxidant Tissue Protection: Contains selenium, which acts as a natural antioxidant to protect delicate coral tissue from oxygen radicals and improve overall recovery.
Versatile Application: Equipped with an integrated dropper cap for quick manual adjustments, and remains perfectly stable for automated dosing pump systems.
Specifications:
Volume: 1000ml (1 Liter)
Form: Liquid mineral concentrate
Element Concentration per Liter: Iodine (I): 875 mg/L | Fluorine (F): 1110 mg/L | Bromine (Br): 435 mg/L | Selenium (Se): 0.5 mg/L
Water type: Marine Reef and Saltwater Aquariums
Intended users: Advanced reef keepers, coral aquaculturists, and hobbyists managing mixed reef or SPS-dominated systems
Suggested use:
Dosing Regimen: Add 2 ml per 26 US gallons (100 Liters) of aquarium water daily. This increases the concentration of iodine by 17.5 µg/l (ppb), fluorine by 22.2 µg/l (ppb), bromine by 8.7 µg/l (ppb), and selenium by 0.01 µg/l (ppb).
Maximum Dosage: Do not exceed a maximum daily dosage of 4 ml per 26 US gallons (100 Liters).
Pro Tip: For maximum accuracy, pair this dosing regimen with periodic Tropic Marin ICP water tests to monitor long-term trends and identify exact deficits.
Storage and safety:
Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight to maintain long-term chemical stability.
Warnings:
Do not mix directly with other element solutions inside a single dosing reservoir; always add separately to the aquarium water column.
Keep out of reach of children.
What’s included:
1 x Tropic Marin Block Iodine (1000ml bottle)
Why choose:
Dosing individual trace minerals can easily lead to guesswork, dangerous chemical imbalances, or levels falling below standard test kit detection lines. Tropic Marin Block Iodine provides a safe, scientifically balanced, ratio-based method to restore vital elements together. It keeps your corals growing rapidly, protected from stress, and showing their deepest possible colors.
All-For-Reef Powder is a high-quality, finely milled calcium and alkalinity supplement designed for reef aquaria. Formulated to help maintain stable calcium and carbonate hardness levels, this powder supports the growth and health of corals, coralline algae, and other calcifying organisms. Supplied in an 800 g container, it's ideal for hobbyists and small to medium-sized systems seeking consistent dosing and straightforward use.
Key benefits
Supports Coral Structure: Enhances skeletal growth and coloration by maintaining optimal calcium and alkalinity.
Stabilizes Water Parameters: Minimizes pH swings and promotes healthy calcification by stabilizing carbonate hardness (KH).
Dissolves Fast: Dissolves quickly with minimal clouding when mixed properly.
Versatile Dosing Options: Use for single-dose methods, two-part dosing, or mix into a stock solution for dosing pumps.
Cost-Effective Maintenance: The 800 g size offers regular upkeep without the need for frequent repurchasing.
Specifications
Net weight: 800 g
Form: Fine powder
Primary purpose: Calcium and alkalinity supplementation for reef aquaria
Intended users: Marine reef hobbyists, coral keepers, aquascapers
Suggested use
Two-part dosing: Use as part A or part B depending on your dosing protocol. Measure and dose according to test kit results or the manufacturer's instructions.
Stock solution: Dissolve measured amounts in dechlorinated RO/DI water in a well-ventilated area. Allow complete dissolution and cool before transferring to a dosing container. Avoid mixing concentrated solutions of incompatible reagents.
Manual dosing: Dissolve the recommended dose in a cup of aquarium water and add slowly to a high-flow area of the tank to prevent localized spikes.
Dosage and testing
Test regularly: Monitor calcium and alkalinity with reliable test kits before adjusting any dosing schedules.
Follow guidelines: Base your dosing on target levels. Typical reef targets are calcium at 400–450 ppm and alkalinity at 7–9 dKH.
Adjust gradually: Change dosing incrementally and retest after 6–12 hours to monitor the impact. Maintain stable parameters rather than making rapid shifts.
Storage and safety
Keep dry: Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Protect yourself: Avoid inhaling dust; use a mask or work in a well-ventilated area when handling the powder.
First aid: In case of skin or eye exposure, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Warnings
Not for human consumption.
Do not mix dry powders directly together; always dissolve separately and avoid combining concentrated solutions without guidance.
Use caution when dosing; overdosing can cause rapid parameter changes harmful to aquarium inhabitants.
What’s included
1 x 800 g container of All-For-Reef Powder
Product label with basic usage and safety instructions
Why choose
All-For-Reef Powder provides a reliable way to maintain essential calcium and alkalinity levels needed for healthy coral growth. Its fine particle formulation dissolves quickly for flexible dosing options, and the 800 g size offers a practical balance between value and shelf life for regular maintenance.
FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater is the industry-leading, original live nitrifying bacteria solution designed to rapidly cycle new aquatic systems and eliminate toxic spikes. Containing the exact freshwater-specific strains of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, this professional-grade formula boasts 15 times the concentration of standard bacteria treatments. While establishing a natural biofilter from scratch can take weeks, TurboStart introduces millions of active, live bacteria that get straight to work, safely cycling your system in 5 days or less. This rapid establishment eliminates "New Tank Syndrome," prevents fish loss, and allows for the safe and immediate introduction of livestock. It is the ultimate insurance policy for new aquariums, quarantine systems, or established biofilters needing immediate fortification after aggressive cleaning or medication.
Key benefits:
15x Concentrated Strength: Delivers a massive dose of true live nitrifying bacteria, completely cycling aquariums up to 15 times faster than standard treatments.
Immediate Livestock Addition: Rapidly converts toxic ammonia and nitrite into harmless nitrate, allowing you to add fish safely on day one.
Prevents New Tank Syndrome: Eliminates dangerous chemical spikes that cause fish loss and respiratory distress during initial tank setups.
Fortifies Established Biofilters: Perfect for restoring lost bacterial colonies after deep cleanings, filter media replacements, or heavy medicating cycles.
Specifications:
Form: Concentrated live liquid bacteria
Bacterial Strains: Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter (Freshwater Specific)
Water Type: Freshwater Aquariums Only
Storage Requirements: Must be kept refrigerated (34°F – 50°F); do not freeze.
Available Variants:
1 oz. Bottle: Compact size ideal for nano tanks, hospital tanks, and small setups; treats up to 50 gallons.
4 oz. Bottle: The perfect choice for standard medium-sized home aquariums; treats up to 200 gallons.
Suggested use:
Preparation: Ensure all chlorine and chloramines are fully removed from the water using a conditioner prior to adding bacteria. Turn off UV sterilizers and protein skimmers before use and leave them off for 5 days post-introduction.
Dosing: Shake the bottle vigorously. Add 1 oz (29 ml) of TurboStart 700 per 50 gallons of aquarium water.
Note: To accelerate heavy workloads or severe spikes, TurboStart can be safely dosed at up to 5x the recommended strength. Tank water may temporarily cloud or take on an earthy smell for a few hours after use.
Storage and safety:
Keep the bottle refrigerated until ready to use. Use before the printed expiration date on the bottom of the packaging.
Warnings:
Do not freeze the product, as sub-freezing temperatures will destroy the live bacterial colonies.
Keep out of reach of children.
What’s included:
1 x FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater Live Bacteria (Selected Size)
Why choose:
Unlike shelf-stable spore-based treatments that require days to wake up and replicate, FritzZyme TurboStart 700 introduces fully active, live bacteria directly into your water column. Used globally by public aquariums, fish farms, and advanced hobbyists, it provides unmatched speed and biological safety to protect your livestock from the very first day.
Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes are a gourmet frozen formulation designed for all carnivorous and omnivorous tropical fishes and invertebrates. It is a nutritious blend of brine shrimp supplemented with seafood, plankton, natural algae, and essential vitamins that mimic the nutritional value of a natural coral reef diet. This formulation does not contain a gel binder, allowing the bite-sized pieces to feed your fish while the fine juices and particles directly feed corals and filter-feeding invertebrates.
Key benefits
Gourmet Reef Blend: Combines brine shrimp with a nutritious blend of seafood, plankton, natural algae, and vitamins to mimic a natural diet.
Reef Tank Friendly: Contains no gel binders. Larger bite-sized pieces feed your fish, while juices and fine particles nourish corals and filter-feeders.
Enhances Color & Vitality: Supplemented with natural carotenoid pigments, vitamins, and minerals to promote brilliant natural coloration and strong immune health.
Highly Digestible: Made with premium, easily digestible marine ingredients to reduce metabolic waste and keep aquarium water cleaner.
Entices Finicky Eaters: Extremely attractive scent and flavor profiles that trigger immediate feeding frenzies in even the most stubborn or newly introduced fish.
Specifications
Available Sizes: 3.5 oz (100 g - 35 cubes) / 7 oz (200 g - 70 cubes)
Form: Frozen pop-out cubes
Primary purpose: Daily gourmet food for carnivorous/omnivorous fish and reef systems
Water type: Saltwater and Freshwater
Manufacturer SKUs: SKU# 50035 (3.5 oz), SKU# 50075 (7 oz)
Suggested use
Feeding frequency: Feed one to three times daily.
Portion control: Feed only the amount that your fish and reef inhabitants can completely consume within 5 minutes.
Feeding method: Simply drop the frozen cubes directly into the aquarium, or use a grid feeding clip to create a localized feeding zone.
Important: Thawing the cubes before feeding is not recommended, as they are specifically designed to slowly disperse throughout the recommended feeding window to target both fish and corals.
Ingredients
Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussel, squid, plankton, fish oil, kelp meal, paprika, carrageenan, nori, cochineal extract (added color), choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, iron, inositol, a-tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium carbonate, biotin, calcium pantothenate, niacin.
Guaranteed analysis
Crude Protein (min): 7.1%
Crude Fat (min): 1.1%
Crude Fiber (max): 0.5%
Moisture (max): 89.0%
Ash (max): 2.8%
Phosphorus (max): 0.1%
Storage and safety
Keep frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Do not allow the product to thaw completely and refreeze, as this degrades nutritional quality.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling frozen aquatic foods.
Keep out of reach of children and household pets.
Warnings
For aquarium use only. Not for human consumption.
What’s included
1 x Package of Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes (in your choice of 3.5 oz or 7 oz)
Why choose
Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes go far beyond basic brine shrimp nutrition. Developed by aquaculture biologists, this gourmet formula duplicates the natural coral reef diet by blending premium brine shrimp with real seafood, plankton, and algae. The binder-free formula makes it a highly efficient dual-purpose food: the physical pieces feed your fish, while the nutrient-rich juices disperse to feed filter-feeders and corals. Choose from the 3.5 oz or 7 oz pop-out cube trays to deliver complete, cleaner-burning nutrition that brings out the ultimate colors and vitality of your aquarium inhabitants.
Why Chicago Hobbyists Choose Us
Freshwater &
Saltwater Expertise
From community tanks to advanced reef systems.
Quality Products You
Can Count On
We stock trusted brands and test what we sell.
Local Chicago
Support
Visit our store at 6622 W. North Ave. for in-person help.
Help for Every
Experience Level
We help beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
Looking for an aquarium store near Chicago with freshwater fish, saltwater livestock, coral, aquarium supplies and knowledgeable help?
Visit Big Fish Aquarium at 6622 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.
Our store serves aquarium hobbyists throughout Chicago and nearby communities, including Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park and the surrounding western suburbs.
Stop in to shop livestock and aquarium supplies, get help with your tank or talk with our team about professional aquarium services.
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